BOSASO, Somalia — The Puntland Security Forces (PSF) have issued a stern warning to airlines operating at Bosaso Airport, advising them against using the facility until control is reverted to its previous management.
The directive, announced on Wednesday, stems from an ongoing dispute over the airport’s management, which has escalated to the point of affecting security operations and public safety.
In a statement, the PSF criticized the current airport administration for denying access to wounded soldiers, who they argue were injured in the line of duty against threats like al-Shabab. “The airport should serve all Puntland citizens, not be restricted for military use,” the statement read, highlighting that for three years, PSF personnel have been barred from using the airport for both operational and medical evacuations.
This warning coincides with increased tensions between the PSF and the Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF), reportedly triggered by the kidnapping of a relative of the PMPF director in Bosaso, though details surrounding the incident remain sparse.
The PSF’s statement not only calls for the restoration of the airport’s civilian use but also warns residents near the airport to evacuate, citing potential security risks due to the ongoing dispute. This move could significantly impact the operations at Bosaso Airport, one of the key transport hubs in the region, potentially affecting both commercial flights and the local economy.
The situation in Bosaso underscores the broader challenges in Puntland, where security forces’ disputes can rapidly escalate, affecting civilian life and regional stability.
The demand for the airport’s management to be handed back to its former administrators reflects deeper governance and security issues within Puntland, potentially requiring intervention or mediation to resolve peacefully.
As of now, there has been no immediate response from the current airport management or the regional government regarding the PSF’s demands. The international community and local stakeholders are watching closely, concerned about the implications for security and humanitarian efforts in the region.